Nucleic Acid Extraction

The extraction of DNA, RNA, or total nucleic acids from samples such as blood, cultured cells, microbes, or plant and animal tissues is critical to the success of many experiments across a variety of fields, including academic research, clinical diagnostics, forensic science, and biotechnology. This essential step underpins a wide range of downstream applications, from gene expression studies and pathogen detection to genetic profiling and forensic identification, making it indispensable for accurate analysis and discovery in these diverse markets.

During purification, samples all progress though a common set of manipulations: cell lysis, clearing, inactivation of nucleases, nucleic acid binding, washing and elution.

Optimization of extraction methodologies is key for success, especially with challenging sample types and demanding downstream applications. The target nucleic acid should be purified free of contaminants, including proteins, other cellular components and undesired nucleic acids.

Most DNA extraction methods purify DNA away from other cellular materials by binding the DNA to a solid support such as silica or cellulose, purifying the extracted DNA away from contaminants by washing, and then eluting the purified DNA into water or buffer. Purity and yield of extracted nucleic acids is key to performance in downstream applications.